CLEVELAND, Ohio - The NFL draft is still five months away. However,
it's become a Cleveland tradition in December to start looking toward the
future, and this year is no exception.

A number of national publications reveal Mock Drafts, taking
an early look at what could go down in May. With the Browns having two first
round picks, and heading into another critical off-season, let's take a look at
which way the experts are leaning.

These mock drafts will change throughout. Some players (Oregon's Marcus Mariota and Baylor's Bryce Petty) have
already announced their desire to return to school. Others are headed to the NFL early. Tough decisions await for many prospects, and those choices will be be revealed after Bowl games finish up. What some players decide to do will have an impact on the class.

"QB Blake Bortles, UCF – Brandon Weeden won't be back in Cleveland, Jason Campbell is
a stopgap and while Brian Hoyer is still in the team's long-term plans, he's
coming off an ACL injury and Cleveland needs to add a young arm to the mix.
Bortles is very reminiscent of Ben Roethlisberger when he was coming out of
Miami (Ohio) and has intriguing pro potential.

OT Cedric Ogbuehi - The right tackle position has been a trouble spot for the
Browns offense this season and Cleveland should toy with the idea of adding a
right tackle and moving Mitchell Schwartz inside to guard. Ogbuehi isn't quite
as well-known as his teammate Jake Matthews, but he is almost as talented with
a high ceiling himself."

"WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson - Again, (Mike) Evans and Watkins
can flip-flop here and work out just as well — Evans' lack of high-end speed
may eventually knock him down a tiny notch, though his talent ought to offset
most of the concerns there. A combo of Watkins and Josh Gordon (with Jordan
Cameron at tight end) would make the QB spot in Cleveland pretty appealing to
whomever lands it. Watkins can excel at all levels of the field, including
deep, where Cleveland wants to press."

"QB Blake Bortles, Central Florida - The Browns are desperate
for a franchise quarterback but don't rule out Brian Hoyer as the 2014
opening-day starter. That would allow the team to draft a player who needs a
little time to develop—like Blake Bortles. The UCF quarterback is a dual-threat
star and has a little Andrew Luck or
Ben Roethsliberger in his game. He's the type of smart, savvy passer the Browns
have needed.

WR Odell Beckham, LSU - The Browns grabbed their quarterback
at the top of the round, but now they must finish filling out the offense by
adding a threat at receiver. The team has a future star in Josh Gordon, but
he's one slip-up away from a season-long suspension, and Greg Little continues
to disappoint on the other side of the formation. Odell Beckham isn't the
biggest guy, but he plays tough over the middle and has a second gear to run
away from defenders after the catch. He's an ideal complement for the bigger,
stronger Gordon."

"QB Blake Bortles, UCF – It remains the same old story in Cleveland - the Browns
possess Pro Bowl talent at various positions that does not include quarterback.
Rather than gamble that Bortles or another potential starter is available with
their second pick of the first round (from the Colts), general manager Michael
Lombardi may have to reach here. Bortles, talented, tough and possessing more
traditional size than most of the other quarterbacks in this class, is flying
up draft boards.

WR Allen Robinson, Penn State – Josh Gordon has emerged as one of the NFL's best young
receivers in just his second season but he remains one failed drug test away
from a year-long suspension. Teammate Greg Little is just as unreliable on the
field with his untimely drops. Adding competition at receiver isn't necessarily
a first round priority but should Robinson be available, the lanky athlete
could prove an intriguing fit in Cleveland."

View full sizeClemson's Sammy Watkins leads a talented group of wide receivers for the 2014 NFL draft.Associated Press

"WR Sammy Watkins, Clemson - The Browns get an elite receiver to pair with Josh Gordon. Cleveland wants to have a vertical passing attack, and Watkins could be a devastating weapon on the other side from Gordon.

Watkins has 85 receptions for 1,237 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2013. The junior played well against Florida State even though Clemson was blown out. He opened this season against Georgia looking like the 2011 version of himself. After catching a 15-yard bullet from Tajh Boyd, Watkins shed a tackle and exploded down the field. No Bulldogs defender could catch him as he sprinted for a 75-yard score. Watkins caught six passes for 127 yards versus Georgia, but did muff a punt. He also had huge games against Virginia, Maryland and Georgia Tech.

QB Derek Carr, Fresno State - The Browns land their franchise quarterback. Carr has the arm to operate Norv Turner's vertical passing attack, and could be a good fit with Josh Gordon.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Carr has a strong arm and good mechanics. He could push himself up into the top 20 of the 2014 NFL Draft if he continues to impress during the leadup to the draft. The senior started the year by completing 52-of-73 passes for 456 yards, five touchdowns and an interception in an overtime victory over Rutgers. Carr threw for 460 yards against Boise State. In 2013, Carr has completed 68 percent of his passes for 4,866 yards with 48 touchdowns and seven interceptions."

"QB Derek Carr, Fresno State - This is a bit of a projection
because at this point Fresno St. QB Derek Carr isn't even considered to be a
consensus first rounder, let alone a Top 10 overall pick. That could change in
the coming months though, especially if Carr performs well at the Senior Bowl.
Plus quarterbacks have had a tendency to get pushed up the board in recent
years and Carr is beginning to generate a lot of buzz and momentum within the
scouting community. While not a can't miss prospect there is plenty to like
about Carr, who is one of the top arm talents in this class and appears to
possess all of the physical tools that you look for as well as top-notch
intangibles. Carr also has pro bloodlines working in his favor as he is the
younger brother of David, who was the #1 overall pick in the 2002 NFL
Draft. Of course the Browns could also look elsewhere with this choice then
grab a signal caller later if they aren't enthralled with Carr or Johnny
Manziel of Texas A&M. Cleveland could even opt to stick with Brian Hoyer,
who is a favorite of GM Mike Lombardi.

View full sizeBradley Roby picked off a pass from Nathan Scheelhaase and returned it 63 yards for a touchdown against Illinois.Associated Press

CB Bradley Roby, Ohio State - With the notable exception of quarterback the Browns really
don't have a lot of glaring needs. However one area where it wouldn't hurt to
bring in some reinforcements is cornerback. Granted Buster Skrine has shown
improvement and held his own for the most part opposite Joe Haden but he is probably
better suited for a nickel role plus there isn't much to speak of depth-wise.
After bypassing the chance to potentially be a first round pick last year Ohio
St. CB Bradley Roby struggled at times this season and saw his draft stock take
a hit. With that said Roby did play better as the season went on and it's
difficult to imagine such a talented player falling out of the first round as
some have suggested. A terrific athlete with good size and outstanding
speed, Roby looks every bit the part of an elite corner prospect and few
programs have a better track record than the Buckeyes when it comes to
producing pro cover guys."

"QB Derek Carr, Fresno State - Quarterback is the Browns' top priority. Offensive coordinator Norv Turner wants a QB with size and the arm strength to push the ball down the field, and that's what Carr provides. He is a little bit of a reach here, but there's a lot to like about his game. He had a monster 2013 season (4,866 yards, 48 TDs to just 7 INTs), is very accurate and has great touch on short-to-intermediate throws, has a high football IQ and gets the ball out quickly. He can improve his deep-ball accuracy, but has the arm strength to make all the NFL throws and the maturity and experience to come in and play right away.

WR Jordan Matthews, Vanderbilt - The Browns know they have a star No. 1 receiver in Josh Gordon, and now they just need to find a reliable No. 2 target. Matthews is the perfect fit for this role, as he doesn't have elite physical traits but does possess good size and deceptive speed to go with separation skills and strong hands. He has been very productive for Vandy even while dealing with double coverage for a long time now. If the Browns take Carr early and then Matthews here, for the first time in a long time this team is going to have a chance to be good on offense."

"OLB Khalil Mack, Buffalo - A top-10 pick out of Buffalo?
Yes. And he fits D-coordinator Ray Horton's scheme perfectly. Quarterback may
be tempting here, but remember, Cleveland has a pick at the end of the first
round, too. The Browns can be creative here.

WR Mike Evans, Texas A&M - Like Manziel, Evans is a
redshirt sophomore who has thrown up mind-boggling numbers in two seasons in
the SEC. A 6-5, do everything receiver that could be the perfect complement to
Josh Gordon. Who will be throwing them the ball? Good question."

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